Pope Alexander I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pope Saint Alexander I |
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| Bishop of Rome | |
Eighth-century fresco of Saint Pope Alexander I from Santa Maria Antiqua
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | c. 107 |
| Papacy ended | c. 115 |
| Predecessor | Evaristus |
| Successor | Sixtus I |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Alexander |
| Born | c. 75-80 Rome, Roman Empire |
| Died | 115 (aged 39–40) Rome, Roman Empire |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 3 May (Tridentine Calendar) 16 March (Greek Christianity) |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Other Popes named Alexander | |
Pope Alexander I was an early leader of the Christian Church in Rome. He was the Bishop of Rome from about 107 AD until his death around 115 AD. The Vatican's official book, the Annuario Pontificio, says he was a Roman. He may have been a martyr, meaning he died for his Christian faith. Some stories say he was killed during the rule of Roman emperors Trajan or Hadrian.
His Life and Stories
Stories about Pope Alexander I come from an old book called the Liber Pontificalis. This book says that Alexander I added a special part about the Last Supper to the Christian Mass. The Mass is a very important religious service.
However, many experts, both Catholic and non-Catholic, think this story is not true. They believe this part of the book was written much later. It might have been added to show that early popes had a lot of power.
Church Traditions
Pope Alexander I is also linked to other church traditions. One tradition says he started using blessed water mixed with salt. This was used to make Christian homes pure and keep away evil. Another tradition says he began mixing water with the wine used in the Mass.
Some sources say these stories are not likely to be true. But it is possible that Alexander I helped develop how the Church in Rome practiced its religion. He might have also helped set up its early rules.
Amazing Conversions
A later story tells of an amazing event during the time of emperor Hadrian. It says Pope Alexander I converted a Roman governor named Hermes to Christianity. He did this through a miracle. Hermes's whole family, about 1,500 people, also became Christians.
The story also says that Quirinus of Neuss, who was Alexander's jailer, became a Christian. Quirinus's daughter, Balbina of Rome, also converted.
Alexander is also said to have seen a vision of the baby Jesus. His remains, or body, were later moved to Freising in Germany in 834 AD.
Was He a Martyr?
Some old church calendars linked Pope Alexander I to another Alexander. This other Alexander was remembered on May 3rd, along with two priests named Eventius and Theodulus. They were believed to be martyrs.
However, we do not know much about these three saints. We only know their names and that they died for their faith. They were buried outside Rome on May 3rd. Because of this, later church calendars changed. They now list them as "Saints Alexander, Eventius and Theodulus Martyrs." They do not say that any of them was a pope.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro I (papa) para niños
- List of Catholic saints
- List of popes
